A method for providing an encapsulated flavorant or chemesthetic agent in a smoking article includes forming an emulsion including: a first aqueous solution, comprising one or more cross-linkable polysaccharides; and a hydrophobic additive comprising one or more flavorants or chemesthetic agents. In household appliances with an electric heating element for heating water, such as irons, coffee makers, and electric water kettles, deposition of scale is prevented by using an ion exchange cartridge comprising a resin which binds alkaline earth metal ions such as Ca2 and Mg2, but also negative ions such as SO42 and CO32 ions. Owners can remotely access the database via a software application installed on a wireless computing device.